Things you like and dislike with your Rogue

[RO-G]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I start a thread listing the things we like and dislike with our Nissan Rogue.

To start off, here's mine ....

LikesFuel economy - runs on 87 octane gas (came from a car which uses 92 octane fuel)AWD systemcar like drivability

DislikesFuel lid/door is not lockableNo release mechanism inside the vehicle for the rear doorWind noise at 110KPH

Other than the above dislikes, I really love my Rogue
Modified by RO-G at 9:37 PM 6/19/2009

[philipa_240sx]

No release mechanism inside the vehicle for the rear door

Hatchback and wagon type vehicles (ie vans and SUV/CUV's) generally do not have a release for the rear door in side the vehicle.

However. there is an emergency release shown on page 3-21/22 of your owners manual.

[tcmo]

Likes for a 2009 SL FWDgas mileage-- around 24-25 mpg city, 30 on the highwayinterior room-easier to get in and out than our previous MB coupe

dislikes17" wheels160 mph speedometer

So far I really like this car.

[kerrton]

I agree on the "likes" list, a few more significant items on my dislike list is:

1) no rear fold down arm rest with cup holders, all other competitors have this and it seems very cheap of Nissan to leave this out. Also, the head rests don't raise, which really sucks for the rear tether strap on infant seats, you have to put the strap over top of the headrest, completely ridiculous.

2) I hate to say it, but the CVT. I drive many other vehicles regularly at work, lately we got a Hyndai Santa Fe and a Ford Edge with conventional transmissions, and these are SMOOTHER than the Rogue CVT. I find the engage/disenge of the CVT torque converter very noticable, irritating and not very smooth. Conventional transmission's are now to the point where you can barely notice when they shift, extremely smooth. The CVT is not terrible, don't get my wrong, and I love the fuel efficiency but I really don't agree with the sales pitch that "it's much smoother than conventional transmissions", I actually find when I apply a very light touch on the throttle and coast into lights that it lurches or surges slightly when the torque converter engages and disengages. The solution to smooth out the ride is to drive a little more agressively on the throttle and brake.

Overall though, it is a very nice vehicle considering the price.

[RO-G]

conventional transmissions, and these are SMOOTHER than the Rogue CVT. I find the engage/disenge of the CVT torque converter very noticable, irritating and not very smooth. Conventional transmission's are now to the point where you can barely notice when they shift, extremely smooth. The CVT is not terrible, don't get my wrong, and I love the fuel efficiency but I really don't agree with the sales pitch that "it's much smoother than conventional transmissions", I actually find when I apply a very light touch on the throttle and coast into lights that it lurches or surges slightly when the torque converter engages and disengages. The solution to smooth out the ride is to drive a little more agressively on the throttle and brake.

I totally agree with Kerrton on this one. I also experience the surge when I genttly step on the pedal during slow speeds near traffic lights at intersections.

[kerrton]

Glad to hear someone else agrees with me, but not everyone will notice this because it is only noticable when you drive with a "light foot", so consequently I'm trying hard to be a less efficient driver to avoid the stupid surging effect, and the result is that I love driving my car again but it does suck that the CVT can perform so differently depending on how you drive. The same goes for people who are extreme "lead foot" agressive drivers, their complaint would be that the CVT holds the rpms too high for too long - it's highly variable from one driver to the next. Regarding the surge issue, I got some additional feedback at this topic:

zer...56727

[RO-G]

I consider myself to be a "light foot" driver but on some occasions I drive with a "lead foot" when the situation cals for it. What I do so that the CVT won't hold the RPMs too high and too long is I ease off a bit on the gas pedal. This foot action brings down the RPM (due to a up gear change of the CVT).

[kerrton]

But overall I still really like my Rogue, add LOW PRICE and predicted good resale value to the "likes" column. It's human nature to always want what you don't have, my friend with a Ford Edge and another friend with a Kia both said they'd trade me for the Rogue, even though I think their vehicles are pretty sweet, so I guess no vehicle is perfect.

[RO-G]

But overall I still really like my Rogue, add LOW PRICE and predicted good resale value to the "likes" column.

same here.

[RO-G]

Hatchback and wagon type vehicles (ie vans and SUV/CUV's) generally do not have a release for the rear door in side the vehicle.However. there is an emergency release shown on page 3-21/22 of your owners manual.

Yes Philip, I saw this emergency release inside the rear door when I firstr read the manual. I guess this rear door release swtich near the driver side would be one of my wish list for the Rogue.

[philipa_240sx]

I guess this rear door release swtich near the driver side would be one of my wish list for the Rogue.

It would need an interlock with the speed sensor to prevent it from activating while driving. Something like the powered tailgates on some vehicles. ie Honda Odyssey?

Last thing I want is the hatch to open while driving!

[markys]

I agree pal.Well, another thing that I like about it is that it's big but still stylish. It's capacity is also good and the " TARGET="_blank">nissan parts are heavy-duty.

[sschantz]

I always promised never to buy a version 1 Automobile but took the plunge back in March 08, aside from the CVT noise, I love my car. First one I have owned with all the bells and whistles (SL)

Sunroof, Blue Tooth, 6 CD.

I live in Boston, on a hill that slants towards the house, during heavy snowstorms, Rogue has been great.....

I drive 2 hrs a day and feel it is a comfortable ride as well as my wife who has lower back problems. Gas mileage is great as I average 25 highway.

Would love to see newer models with third row (RAV has it) for my rugrats and also would love to see more SUV's with hatch glass that goes up and down like 4runner but all in all I love it

[BillLewis]

Love mostly everything except the fuel door being on the right side and the "vibration" or sense of being in the wrong gear at about 1200 RPM'sI do recommend the vechicle to everyone who asks about it and its been quite a few

Bill NJ

[philipa_240sx]

Would love to see newer models with third row (RAV has it) for my rugrats...

The Qashqai 2+2 sold in Europe has 3 row seating. Nissan took the Qashqai and modified it for the North American market... and renamed it as the Rogue.

Personally I hope they do not bring the 3 row version here. The rear seats are impossibly small. Small pets and children only need apply... they are far too small for adults.

Read more in this thread on the Qashqai 2+2:

zerothread/336708

BTW, if you look closely you will notice a back seat center armrest. Something they should consider for N.A.

[RogueGuy45]

I only have 400 miles on my 2009 Rogue SL AWD but I'll jump in anyway

Likes-

1) Quite engine and smooth transmission

2) Fuel economy

3) handling, feels like a sports car

4 love the view out the windshield, nice shaped hood and good visability

5) Nice, big mirrors.

6) Interior is laid out very nice and I love the controls.

Dislikes-

1) Radio is substandard

2) Power windows are kind of harsh, make a noise and seem to close very "hard"

3) Continental Tires

I went from a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT which was a very nice vehicle but I really love the efficiency and quality of the Rogue.

[harryg]

i think the reason they charge you $300 extra(Canadian amount) is because it has 3 coats of paint compared to one coat for the other colors

[Topper1]

I have White Glacier Pearl Rogue. The only things I dislike about it is -TPMS doesnt indicate which tire is low so u have to check them all.andDoor Open indicator always shows drivers side regardless of which door is ajar so again u have to check all doors until u find the one.Other than those two Super.

[Jr~]

Just bought a new 2009 Rogue S with now 500 miles on it. Has a little roaid noise to it. CVT transmission just a little jerky. But it's a very nice vehicle & wifey loves it.Does anyone out there notice the reflection of the dashboard on the drivers side of the winshield when driving? I see an upside down (U) reflection from the dashboard right above the guages.It does not bother my wife (it's her car) but it agitates me.

Al.

[RogueGuy45]

I have a pretty good relationship with the kid who sold me the car so I called him up to ask him when my license plates will be in as it's been over a week. I told him I hope they come before these Continental tires wear out! He actually had a good laugh about that one

[philipa_240sx]

Door Open indicator always shows drivers side regardless of which door is ajar so again u have to check all doors until u find the one.

I seem to remember Honda's having that indicator showing which door is open, including the trunk!

[RO-G]

Just bought a new 2009 Rogue S with now 500 miles on it. Has a little roaid noise to it. CVT transmission just a little jerky. But it's a very nice vehicle & wifey loves it.Does anyone out there notice the reflection of the dashboard on the drivers side of the winshield when driving? I see an upside down (U) reflection from the dashboard right above the guages.It does not bother my wife (it's her car) but it agitates me.Al.

I do but it doesnt' bother me. It usually occurs after I clean the dashboard and the windshield inside and out.

[Nemo09]

I am new here, so hello!

I am on month 3 of a 3 year lease with our 2009 Nissan Rogue SL and have put close to 3,000 miles on it so far. We've done pretty much everything together, so here's my comprehensive list of likes/dislikes:

Dislikes:Poor rearward visibility- Can't see a damn thing through that tiny rear window! Just today I bumped ANOTHER car when backing out of a slot. Going to try and remedy this with backup sensors soon.

Odd Vibrations- Sometimes when straightening out after a turn, I get vibrations from a rear tire as it tries to get better grip on the road.

Tricky design- The design isn't straightforward, which sometimes frustrates me when manuevering through tight spots.

Likes:Decent power- I can go from 0-40 in about 3 seconds with a light load. Engine is smooth.

Manueverability is good- No sports car, but the Rogue is one of the sportier SUVs available and handles well!

Bold looks- The big bright wheels and roof rails are pleasant to the eye.

Functionality- Plenty of room for my needs, cool cargo organizer in the hatch.

Materials and build- Great soft plastics and leather, great build quality.

[AznJohn22]

Dislike:

The sound coming from the rear when you are at 10 to 20 mphs.

[RobbyUSMC01-06]

I've had mine for about 10 months and there are only two problems I have.1. buzzing rattling sounds in the headliner I've been too lazy to fix 2. my girlfriend's constant complaining about the lack of a mirror on the passenger side visor.

[Jerry98vert]

I thought hard on this one. I have had this car for 7 months it has +8,000 miles on the car.

I love the car's ride looks and gas milage, I don't like the clear coat/paint so easy to scratch and will be a pain to keep it looking new in the future.

The other problem I am having is the center shifter is making a creaking noise, I have had Nissan try to fix this thing twice now and still I can hear the noise. Don't know what I will do leave it or let Nissan keep messing with it until they break something else in the interior. My 2cents.

[sheaitisnotso]

Okay I'm at 2300 miles and just got back from a road trip so I'll put in my two cents.

Like:

LOVE how quiet the ride is and the gas mileage. Averaged a little above 26 the last couple of fillups on my SL AWD even though the sticker said 26 highway. Had an '01 Xterra before and the difference is night and day.

pop-up cargo organizer, I put my water jug there when I go to softball games and it doesn't slide around. The whole cargo area is very roomy.

hands free bluetooth has been awesome, although I think I need to recalibrate my voice for the commands again because it hasn't been recognizing my voice lately. Is that normal?

The large sideview mirrors more than make up for the smaller back window. If you set them right you should have no problem checking your blind spots.

Dislike:

Would prefer a locking gas lid, but my Xterra didn't have one either so it's not a big deal.

The different sized windshield wipers. Maybe it's something I'll get used to but it's kind of annoying.

Will have to wait until winter to get a good opinion on the AWD and tires.

[killercross]

LikesDecent Gas Mileage - 9.7L/100kmDecent Stereo SoundBack Seat Leg RoomCargo SpaceOverall lookExcellent AWD

DislikesEndless NoisesCVTEngine Noise (should put in a diesel as it sounds like one)TiresLack of some features (auto headlamps, HID Lamps, better driver seat adjustment, Nav)

Overall a great vehicle but needs a bit of refinement, perhaps the 2010 will address a few of the issues.

[philipa_240sx]

Engine Noise (should put in a diesel as it sounds like one)... Lack of some features (auto headlamps, HID Lamps, better driver seat adjustment, Nav)

Overall a great vehicle but needs a bit of refinement, perhaps the 2010 will address a few of the issues.

- Re. HID headlamps: They were an option in the US. Not sure why Nissan Canada decided to axe them. Likely it was a cost issue and we did get a few other options the US models didn't: ie. heated cloth seats. Read more here: zerothread/325256

- Re. engine noise: While not as refined as some V-6's or other import 4cyl engines, the QR25DE motor used in the Rogue has come along way. I had the first gen of this motor in my '03 Altima and it was far noisier. Nissan made considerable improvements in the 2nd gen QR used in the Rogue, Altima and Sentra. I would not expect any improvements to the drivetrain until the next model (2012?). Also, the valvetrain noise when cold is normal. Read more here: zerothread?id=392210

As for the other options, ie Nav, auto headlamps, etc, it's anyone's guess. Many of these features are available on other Nissan's so it's not a lack of available hardware/parts. Nissan will change content and packaging as the market dictates.

[rrs26ja]

I have a 2008 Rogue with about 21k miles.

Likes:

Bold LookGas Mileage 25.4 mpgPaddle ShiftersComfortable to drive

Dislikes:

Wind noiseEngine NoiseNot enough power - My wifes Toyota Camry will blow this away off the line and a lot quieter

My tires are still good, I don't have any issues with them. Although I like the gas mileage, I would rather have a 6 cyl